Finnish MP Eemeli Peltonen, 30, died in the parliament building today at around 11am – tragically local reports suggest he died by suicide
A Finnish MP has reportedly taken his own life in the country’s parliament building.
Thirty-year-old lawmaker Eemeli Peltonen was found unresponsive inside the building at around 11am this morning. He was elected to parliament in 2023 as a first-term representative. On social media he previously revealed he was undergoing treatment for a kidney condition. He told followers he was taking some weeks off to recover and is said to have been on sick leave when he took his own life.
Later, he revealed that he had also contracted a bacterial infection during the treatment. He told followers: “To control the bacteria, I was started on an intravenous antibiotic course in [hospital], which will take time. At the same time, treatment for my kidney problems will continue.”
A security official declined to provide further details of today’s event, telling local outlets: “There is a mission underway, with rescue authorities, police and emergency services on site. I cannot say more than that at this stage.
“I can’t say what the emergency response from the emergency centre has been… Parliament is a bit of an exceptional site, so one could imagine that such things have been considered when the situation has been unclear.”
However, he didn’t deny reports that Mr Peltonen died by suicide. According to Finnish broadcaster Yle, an ambulance, two police vehicles and a fire engine were seen outside the building.
Speaking to the outlet, a person who works nearby described seeing ambulances racing past “with their whistles blaring” before a “full-size fire truck, a police car and, with a slight delay, an armoured police Mercedes also drove there”.
Mr Peltonen started his political career 12 years earlier aged just 18 on his local city council. When he was 22 he became the chairman of that council, becoming the youngest person to do so.
Finnish prime minister Petteri Orpo said the ruling party would table the discussion of politics to give the tragedy its proper respect. He added: “We received some really shocking news some time ago from Parliament, our shared workplace, that one of our colleagues has passed away on Parliament premises. Really sad news.”
Parliamentary speaker Jussi Halla-aho, said: “On behalf of the Parliament, I express my condolences to the family and loved ones of Representative Peltonen. Peltonen was a well-liked and respected colleague across party lines.”
The news comes as Finland’s parliament is in recess. The autumn session will recommence on September 2.
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